Traverse the trees at the Adventure Park at Sandy Spring
Spring Break in the Trees
Where: Several around the DC area
When: Ongoing
Admission: Varies by location
Many of the local climbing and ropes courses have opened for the season and have extra weekday availability now. Check out a round-up of them— and while it mentions fall climbing, they are all open in spring and summer, too! The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring is a KFDC fave, offering a thrilling aerial forest adventure — it will be open on weekdays April 12-21 especially for Spring Break! If you want to do something special, active, challenging, and super fun, I highly recommend this adventure in the trees. See more about some of our experiences at the park here and here.
Earth to Space Festival
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: Through April 20
Admission: Varies by activity
Earth to Space: Arts Breaking the Sky is filling the Kennedy Center with musicians and astronauts, poets and researchers, visual artists and engineers, actors and environmentalists, architects and astronomers, dancers and scientists, filmmakers and space designers. This includes some installations and events that kids will enjoy, like the film The Moonwalkers: A Journey with Tom Hanks, Celestial Bodies: Earth, Moon, Mars, and a Family Weekend April 12-13.
Capitals SkyRink
Where: Hi-Lawn | Union Market, DC
When: Weds – Sun in April, 2-11pm
Admission: $12-18
A one-of-a-kind skating experience is coming to Hi-Lawn, the rooftop space, at Union Market through April! The synthetic ice rink offers breathtaking city views, great vibes, and a super fun time on the ice. Seasoned skaters and those who just want try something fun can enjoy skating high above the city along with food and drinks. And SkyRink isn’t just for general skating… you can also xperience hockey play with sticks, pucks, and goals provided. Try to score from Ovi’s “office”!
Cherry Blossom Festival Fun
Where: Around the DC Area
When: Through April 13
Admission: Varies by activity
Peak bloom will be over by the time Spring Break starts, but the National Cherry Blossom Festival will still be running the first weekend. And two of the biggest events take place then, the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade on April 12 and Sakura Matsuri, the Japanese Street Festival, on April 12-13.
Egg-Cellent Adventures
Where: Around the DC area
When: Through April 21
Admission: Varies by place
Egg hunts, bunny visits, and more Easter activities will be happening all around the area leading up to Easter. There are also attractions beyond bunnies and candy-filled eggs for your whole gang. This post has a round-up of all the hoppy fun.
Day of Play
Where: Fields at RFK | Northeast DC
When: April 16, 12-4pm
Admission: Free
Join Events DC for a Day of Play during Spring Break — a great opportunity for DC residents to play outdoors! The free community-based event includes competitive field games, music, food trucks, and fun activities for all ages. The event is free, but registration is required. All youth must be accompanied by an adult over the age of 18.
Kick It at a Soccer Match
Where: Audi Field | Southwest DC
When: Ongoing
Admission: Ticket prices vary
Both the DC United and Washington Spirit seasons have started, so there’s bound to be a soccer match while you’re crew is on Spring Break. Check the United schedule here and the Spirit schedule here. And check for deals on tickets, too — United here and Sprit here.
Cap It
Where: Capital One Arena | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Several dates this spring
Admission: Ticket prices vary
Hockey in DC is extra exciting this spring as Alex Ovechkin just broke the all-time goal scoring record, and there’s at least one game at home over the break to be part of it. Tickets are available for most games, and you can check for deals here.
Spring Break at the Cottage
Where: President Lincoln’s Cottage | Petworth, DC
When: April 14-18
Admission: $15/age 13+, $6/age 6-12, free/under 6
President Lincoln’s Cottage will be offering a variety of kid-friendly activities for local families looking to “staycation” during the spring school holidays. The week will kick off with a special “Spring Break” kids’ concert on Monday, April 14, at 10:30am with a performance by the iconic children’s band Rocknoceros. And each day at noon, the Cottage will be have a family tour, a relaxed version of their award-winning Signature Cottage Tour geared specifically towards children. Families can also enjoy the Cottage’s landscape tour Lincoln’s Wild Home, a self-guided meditative experience that allows visitors to follow a map and explore the grounds surrounding the Cottage; complimentary lawn games on the South Lawn, crafting sessions, and pretty spots for BYO picnics.
Show Time
Where: Theatres around the DC area
When: Varies by show
Admission: Varies by show
Keep the kids entertained with some live entertainment! There are several shows to see on local stages during Spring Break:
* Annie at National Theatre
* Mother Goose at Imagination Stage
* Sister Act at Ford’s Theatre
* Sleepova (for teens) at Olney Theatre
* In the Heights at Signature Theatre
Bloom Town
Where: Around the DC Area
When: Varies by locale
Admission: Varies by locale
There are many big blooms to enjoy around the DC area besides the cherry blossoms and several coincide with Spring Break. Burnside Farms’ Festival of Spring showcasing 150 varieties of tulips runs through April 21 and there are more in other parts of DC. Bluebells will soon start blanketing the grounds around the area, too. Wisteria will be brightening things up with his gorgeous perwinkle hue. And the best places to see them are fab for more than just the flowers. This post has details on where to go for those and other big blooms coming up.
Go with the Flow
Where: Waterways around the area
When: Starts in April
Admission: Varies
Row, row, row your boat or kayak or canoe! Paddle season has begun as several places have started offering boat rentals. Boating in DC has several locations in the District (see which are open now), and few NoVa Parks offer it, too. This post about places to go with the flow has more details.
Museums & Special Exhibits
Interact with language at Planet Word
Off the Beaten Museum Path
Where: Around DC
When: Hours vary by museum
Admission: Varies by museum
If you don’t veer from the well trodden path of the National Mall now and then, you could miss out on some amazing museum exhibits and experiences. A few are listed here, but there are many more! Check out this round-up of some these places in DC that may not be on your museum radar — but should be.
Museums on the Mall
Where: National Mall, DC
When: Ongoing
Admission: Free
Visiting the Smithsonians and National Gallery of Art on the National Mall is an obvious suggestion, but it doesn’t hurt to include it here, along with links to logistical details and current exhibits to help you plan outings to them: See what’s at the Smithsonians here and at the NGA here.
Museums Beyond DC
Where: Museums in MD & VA
When: Hours vary by museum
Admission: Varies by museum
While DC is known for its legion of museums, there are even more beyond the District lines that are great to visit with kids. Explore Air & Space in Chantilly, aviation in College Park, or see dinos and more cool science in Baltimore. This post has a round-up of museums in Maryland and Northern Virginia to add to your family’s activity mix.
Bonus Programming
Where: National Children’s Museum | Downtown DC
When: April 12-19, 9am – 6pm
Admission: $18.95
The museum full of hands-on exploration is celebrating the season with expanded hours, new offerings, and spring-themed programs that invite young learners and their families to grow their curiosity and engage in unique, playful, and environmentally-focused learning experiences. It will be open two extra hours, 9 am – 6 pm, including on Tuesdays when they’re usually closed. They will also host the Story Art Series, where guests can turn various materials into creative works inspired by stories. And a special tinkering programs will focus on balance.
The Butterfly Experience
Where: Brookside Gardens | Wheaton, MD
When: Starting April 10, 10am – 4pm
Admission: $14/age 13+, $9/age 3-13, free/2 & under
Experience an amazing garden of butterflies! Numerous species of live butterflies and caterpillars from North America, Costa Rica, Africa, and Asia will not just be on display, but flitting about the Brookside Gardena Conservatory filled with plants and flowers — and it’s such a delight! Get a glimpse at what to expect in this KFDC post and this one about a couple of our past visits there. And see more about the wonderful Brookside here.
Spring Break Make & Take
Where: American Visionary Art Museum | Baltimore, MD
When: April 16, 17, & 18
Admission: $5/event ($15.95/adult, $9.95/child museum)
If you’re going to visit a museum beyond DC, specifically one in Baltimore, go when there’s a special event for Spring Breakers. The American Visionary Art Museum is offering fun, creative workshops on a few days. There are opportunities to make a cosmic egg or kinetic sculpture, or paint in reverse. Plan to explore the rest of the AVAM — it’s one of the most wonderful, whimsical museums around. Read about it here.
Pandas!
Where: National Zoo | Woodley Park, DC
When: Daily, 8am – 6pm
Admission: Free with passes
The beloved black and white bears are back at the Zoo! Visit Bao Li and Qing Bao in their recently renovated habitat at the Asia Trail. Of course, plan for time to see the rest of the animals — check the daily demo schedule for any special talks or feedings while you’re there.
Osgemeos: Endless Story
Where: Hirshhorn Museum | National Mall, DC
When: Daily, 10am – 5:30pm
Admission: Free
This exhibit at the Hirshhorn is one the whole family will enjoy. Showcasing the work of identical twin brothers Gustavo and Otavio Pandolfo, it’s vibrant and fun, with pieces ranging from their early sketches as young boys to large-scale paintings and sculptures created as adults. Entry is with timed tickets, so be sure to reserve yours in advance.
Fairies in the Garden
Where: Annmarie Sculpture Garden | Lusby, MD
When: Starting April 4
Admission: $5 suggested donation
Guaranteed to delight, the annual exhibit of fairy and gnome houses at Annmarie Sculpture Garden begins in April. This year more than 100 homes for spritely creatures will be displayed throughout the grounds. Viewing them (and more art) as you walk along a trail through the woods is a wonderful adventure for all ages. Plan for play time in the adorable Fairy Lolly, and stop in the Arts Center for more creative works. Read more about and get a glimpse of it all here and here. (FYI – Annmarie is fantastic anytime, fairy houses or not!)
What’s the Word
Where: Planet Word | Downtown DC
When: Wednesday – Monday, 10am – 5pm (until 6pm Sat/Sun)
Admission: Free
The museum all about language is full of fun and interesting exhibits, most of them interactive. There are elements that all ages will love, though tweens and older will get the most out of it, having more grammar lessons under their belts and generally better comprehension. Our whole family loves it! Admission is free, but you need to book tickets in advance.
An Art Tour for the T(w)een Scene
Where: Glenstone Museum | Potomac, MD
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
This one is for the T(w)een Scene, as Glenstone requires visitors to be at least 12 years old. The indoor/outdoor modern art museum sprawling gloriously over 300 acres in Potomac showcases modern works inside a gallery and outside around the beautiful grounds. Take advantage of the Guaranteed Entry program, which admits students and one accompanying adult without having to reserve tickets. Be sure to note that they don’t allow children under 12 at all, but it’s a wonderful place to visit with tweens and teens!
An O-So-Cool Adventure
Where: Mansion on O Street | Dupont Circle
When: Daily, 11am – 4pm
Admission: Starts at $40
Locate secret doors, see outrageously fabulous themed rooms, and browse a trove of secondhand treasures on a tour of one of the coolest spots in DC: The Mansion on O Street. The Dupont Circle landmark is a mansion, museum, secondhand store, and hotel all in one — and visitors are welcome to explore it all. Admission can add up, so Spring Break is a great time to go if you’re looking for something special to do. Plus, it’s a unique adventure in a truly stunning space.
Must-See DC
The library of Congress, an iconic DC spot
A Local & National Treasure
Where: Library of Congress | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Tuesday – Saturday, 10am – 5pm
Admission: Free
Explore the largest library in the world and one of DC’s most iconic attractions. The Library of Congress is a trove of knowledge, art, history, and culture — and the public is welcome to enjoy it all, and for free! Walk-ins are sometimes welcome, but it’s best to reserve free tickets in advance.
Visit the U.S. Capitol
Where: U.S. Capitol Building | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Daily, 8:30am – 4:30pm
Admission: Free
Take a tour of the U.S. Capitol! You might be able to get on a guided tour day of, but it’s always recommended to book in advance. A tour lasts about an hour, and includes a short film, walks through the The Rotunda and National Statuary Hall, and a peek into the Old Congress Chamber. Before you go, be sure to read these guidelines on what you can and can’t bring with you. And if you can’t get on a tour inside, it’s still nice to walk around the grounds .
Tour the Memorials
Where: National Mall & Tidal Basin, DC
When: Ongoing
Admission: Free
Be a tourist in your hometown (unless you’re visiting, then just be a tourist). Take the opportunity to visit the many memorials on the Mall and around the Tidal Basin. Not only are the structures themselves marvel-worthy, there’s a lot to be gleaned from them, too. Learn about some of our country’s presidents and leaders — George, Abe, Tom, FDR, & MLK — from displays, park rangers, and in the Visitors Centers. For some extra fun, rent scooters or bikes to get around to all of them.
A Monumental Experience
Where: Washington Monument | National Mall, DC
When: Daily, 9am – 5pm
Admission: Free
The Washington Monument is super fun to tour — you can go up inside to check out interesting exhibits and take in DC views. Advance reservation tickets for the next day are available online for a nominal processing fee. Same-day, free tickets are also be available on a first-come, first-served basis daily starting at 8:30am at the Washington Monument Lodge, located on 15th Street NW, between Madison Drive NW and Jefferson Drive SW. Get a peek of the experience from the inside here.
Abe’s Last Days
Where: Ford’s Theatre | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Daily, 9am – 4:30pm
Admission: Free – $3
Ford’s isn’t just a place to catch live entertainment. The site of Abraham Lincoln’s assassination highlights its historic significance through exhibits about the president, the circumstances surrounding his assassination, and that fateful night at the theatre. The National Historic Site features a museum, theatre walk-throughs and a presentation, and guests are welcome to explore it all. Best for about ages 8 and up. Reserve tickets online in advance for $3 or get them at the Box Office for free.
Time for a Tour — & Bird’s Eye Views
Where: Old Post Office Tower | Downtown DC
When: Daily, 9am – 4pm
Admission: Free
One of our back pocket places to take out-of-town guests for impressive views of the city! See DC from a new vantage point at the Old Post Office Tower. Located within the Waldorf Astoria at 12th & Pennsylvania, NW, it’s free to visit and go up to the observation deck of one of the tallest structures in DC. This post has info for visiting — be sure to read it for details on accessing the entrance.
Outside In
Where: US Botanic Garden | Capitol Area, DC
When: Daily, 10am – 5pm
Admission: Free
Explore the different plant collections as you walk amid woodland flora, desert areas, and tropical rainforest (one of the the most stunning spaces in DC). It’s especially nice to visit on foul weather days, because it kind of feels like pulling a fast one on the weather gods. Plan on a stroll through the lovely National Garden outside, too. Read more about the USBG here and here.
Opt Outside
Explore the garden at the Franciscan Monastery
Roam a Garden
Where: Around the area
When: Ongoing
Admission: Varies by locale
With flowers blooming and landscapes bursting with color, a visit to a garden is a fantastic outing, especially when there’s often more to do than just look at plants and flowers. Explore and play at the National Arboretum, plan for an afternoon visit to the fairytale-esque Dumbarton Oaks (be sure to note limited days/hours), wander around Green Spring Gardens on a scavenger hunt, enjoy the array of flora at Brookside, venture out to the gorgeous Meadowlark Botanical Garden, or relish in the peace at the Franciscan Monastery in Brookland. Plus, the Enid A. Haupt Garden, Mary Livingston Ripley Garden, Pollinator Garden, and more small Smithsonian gardens are all open to visitors and fun to explore on the National Mall.
Take a Hike
Where: Around the area
When: Ongoing
Admission: Varies by locale
It’s a great time of year to spend some time on the trail as the weather warms up and color returns to the landscape. See flowers in bloom, tramp in places with scenic views, hike and explore history at interesting locales, and enjoy a day of active fun. This post has a a bunch of recommendations for good walks in the woods with the kids. KFDC Tip: Hike among the bluebells at Bull Run Regional Park or Riverbend — they usually begin blooming in late March. It’s also a good time to take advantage of lesser crowds on weekdays at places that usually draw them, like Great Falls, Scott’s Run, Roosevelt Island, Sugarloaf Mountain, and Patapsco Valley State Park.
Beachy Keen: Sand, Surf, & Fossils
Where: Around the area
When: Daily
Admission: Varies by beach
Many of us associate Spring Break with beach trips, so why not hit the shore with the kids? There are several places within day trip-distance from DC that are nice for sand and surf. Even if the weather is cool, you can still picnic, play, maybe fossil hunt, and enjoy beachy vibes. Head out to Calvert Cliffs State Park or Flag Ponds Nature Park (note limited days at FPNP). Or go east to Sandy Point State Park. Play paleontologist and look for prehistoric fragments along the Potomac at the Purse Area in Charles County, MD (one of our very favorite outings in the area). You can also make a bigger trip out to Westmoreland State Park, about a two-hour drive away in Montross, VA, where you can hike, beach, fossil hunt, and even do some camping.
Ride On
Where: Around the DC Area
When: Ongoing
Admission: Free
The weather during spring is usually perfect for biking, and with kids off from school, you can all get in some good cycling time together. Explore memorials and Smithsonian gardens as you ride on the National Mall. Bike along the Anacostia and make some fun stops on the way. Two-wheel it on fun trails in Virginia and Maryland. There are a bunch of great routes to ride around the area, and this post will help you find one perfect for your crew to pedal. And for bike rentals, Capital Bikeshare has them all over the city.
Grounds for Play
Where: Playgrounds around the DMV
When: Daily
Admission: Free
Let the kiddos burn some energy and get some fresh air at one of many awesome area playgrounds. Beauvoir, Clemyjontri, Watkins Regional Park, Hains Point, Cabin John Regional Park, Wheaton Regional Park, plus loads of DC Parks and Rec locations are great places to swing, climb, run, slide, romp, and even more!
Disc Golfin’
Where: Courses around the DC Area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
Hit the links, the chain links, that is! Disc golf is a great way to enjoy some family time outdoors. Not only is it fun and challenging, many of the courses are set up in scenic places. This post has info about our favorite in College Park, and there are also great courses at Patapsco Valley State Park in MD, Pohick Bay Regional Park in Lorton, VA, Seneca Creek State Park in Gaithersburg, MD, Burke Lake Park in Burke, VA. Find disc golf gear here.
Art al Fresco
Where: Around the DC Area
When: Ongoing
Admission: Varies
Enjoy the outdoors and get an art fix at the same time — you don’t always have to go into a museum to enjoy great works. They are outside in gardens, along our landscapes, and even throughout city streets, so you can enjoy a nice day outside along with large scale sculptures, provocative installations, fun and interesting murals, even fairy houses. This post on my other site some great places to see them around the DC area.
Day Trips & Overnights
Annapolis, capital city on the Chesapeake
Explore Another Capital City
Where: Annapolis, MD
When: Ongoing
Admission: Varies by activity
Annapolis, Maryland’s capital, is as beautiful as it is fun, and you can easily make a day or longer trip of it there. Stroll around town and take in views the Chesapeake, visit the grounds of the Naval Academy, enjoy some outdoor recreation at Quiet Waters Park, and of course, plan to feast on crabs. It’s all an easy drive out Rt. 50 from DC.
Charm City, Hon
Where: Baltimore, MD
When: Daily
Admission: Varies by locale
Baltimore has so many fantastic attractions that are great to visit with kids, and it’s just a 45-minute drive away. Play the day away at Port Discovery. Explore the exhibits and loads of hands-on activities at the Maryland Science Center. See some of the quirkiest, coolest art around at the American Visionary Art Museum. Get an eyeful of the underwater world at the National Aquarium. Get a history lesson and stroll the grounds at Fort McHenry. Tour the historic ships moored at the Inner Harbor. Learn about Baltimore’s early business days at the Museum of Industry. The KFDC Guide to Exploring Baltimore with Kids has info for all of these adventures, plus dining recs and more to explore!
Hang Out in Old Town
Where: Alexandria, VA
When: Ongoing
Admission: Varies by activity
I’m not sure it can be called a day trip destination because it’s so close to DC, but you can make a really fun day of it in Old Town Alexandria. Visit the Torpedo Factory, where you can see all kinds of art, meet some of the artists, and pop into the Alexandria Archaeology Museum. Wander around the waterfront and take a tour of the Tall Ship Providence moored there right now. Browse the shops along King Street and maybe even do a consignment shop tour. Check out the Apothecary Museum and National Inventors Hall of Fame in that area, too — more info about both here.
Maritime Explorations
Where: Calvert Marine Museum | Calvert County, MD
When: Daily, 10am – 5pm
Admission: $9/adult, $4/ages 5-12, free/4 & under
Head out to Calvert County to explore the heritage and history of the Chesapeake Bay. The array of interesting exhibits at the Calvert Marine Museum includes display cases full of fossils and artifacts, plus live fish and other creatures. Reserve tickets in advance here. (PS: Pair this with a visit to Annmarie Sculpture Garden for a longer visit, even an overnight.)
Go Underground
Where: Luray Caverns
When: Ongoing, 9am – 7pm
Admission: $34/adults, $17/ages 6-12, 5 and under free
Behold the spectacular underground world of stalagmites, stalactites, and other amazing limestone formations in the massive cave system at Luray. Afterward, make your way through the Garden Maze or check out vintage rides in the Carriage and Caravan Museum. Admission does not include attractions beyond the cavern. KFDC Tip: Be sure to make a pit stop before going into the caverns, because it can be a long walk out to a restroom, and once you’re out, you may not be able to go back in.
Hiking & History
Where: Harpers Ferry
When: Ongoing
Admission: Free ($10 if you park in lot)
Get some fresh air and exercise as you enjoy spring weather and historic sites. Harpers Ferry is an easy day trip or quick getaway destination from DC, and spring is a great time to go. For more about a visit there, see this KFDC post.
Tramp & Camp
Where: Shenandoah National Park
When: Ongoing
Admission: $30/vehicle, campsites are extra & vary
Whether you go for a day or even several, Shenandoah National Park is a boon for outdoor recreation close to DC. If you can only swing a day, find some good trails to hike or even ride along Skyline Drive and take in the beautiful vistas from the car. If you can stay overnight, it’s a great place for a camping experience with kids. Either way, enjoy being immersed in nature and keep your eyes peeled for wildlife sightings!
* * *
Last minute getaway? Colonial Williamsburg is fantastic!
Extra KFDC Tips
* For more suggestions to relish in the sublime spring weather, check out The Best Places in the DC Area to Spend a Beautiful Day Outdoors with the Kids.
* If you’re looking specifically for rainy day activities, see over 100 ideas in The Great Indoors list.
* For active pursuits inside, see the round-up of Indoor Action.
* See what special museum programs are taking place during this time.
* Find firsthand recs for kid-friendly places to eat.
* If you’re considering a last minute Spring Break getaway, here are some ideas for easy trips from DC.
* Check for deals and discounts on TodayTix, CertifiKID, and StubHub.
* Good gear to have on hand: Water bottles and cooler bag for snacks, a scavenger hunt game or sketch pads add some extra activity to an outing, and a Frisbee is always fun to have on hand.
